Classic Concepts #2: The 1963 Ford Thunderbird Italien (The full story)

In the 1960’s, American car companies were star struck by the elegant lines of Italian cars such as the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT, and the previous 1958 Ferrari 250 designed by Pininfaria.

Ford in particular took a liking to Italian design, and pushed to re create the same gorgeous exotic looks as Ferrari in the “exotic” locale of Dearborn Michigan.

And so it began. Ford designers went to work capturing one aspect of these Italian exotics, the fast back profile. This was the most dramatic alteration to the Thunderbird, resulting in a sleek, elegant profile.

1958 Ferrari 250 GT

Early Thunderbird Italien concept art

The clay mold

The clay fast back mold

Once the design was final, a clay mold of the fast back was attached to an early model thunderbird, and sent to Vince Gardner of Dearborn Steel Tubing to be assembled.

The Final Product and Press Photos

The Italien was completed, and sent around for a brief period as a show car.

A side by side comparison with the standard Thunderbird

The interior

The interior sported new leather seats, but the dash remained the same as the standard ‘63 thunderbird. The chassis was based on a 1962 thunderbird, and was updated with ‘63 fenders. The fast back was actually made of fiberglass, and the Italien had a 3 carburetor 390ci V8 that made 330hp.

The Italien stoped it’s show rotation after the 1964 world’s fair, and was sent by Ford along with their other concept cars. However, actor Don Chambers bought the car, saving it.

Chambers then sold the car in 2007 when he became ill to Tom Markuska, who restored it. The Italien was auctioned off at the Barret-Jackson 37th Annual Car Collector event 1n 2008 for $1.76 million.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed! Car suggested by cannonballhooptie